If the words that other people utter to you, can either make you feel great about yourself, or horrible about yourself, then why don’t we realise that the words we utter to other people also has the potential to either cause them a sense of happiness and joy or pain and fear?

Your words make a difference. Always, all the time. The way we talk to people, the way we express our thoughts and feeling to others, the way we make facial gestures and the body language we display, all cause an effect on the way others look at us. It also has an effect on the way others feel about themselves. For example if you are talking to your friend, family member or lover, and you show a lack of support to something that is important to them, then they would probably feel bad about the idea and bad or stupid about thinking of it. They would also probably feel unworthy of accomplishing whatever it was that they expressed to you. And then also feel scared to try, to move forward and to take the leap of faith.

You see. Everything we say and do creates an impact on the hearts and minds of others. Even if we unconsciously walk pass a security guard or cleaner in a mall or office building, we might make them feel unimportant by ignoring their presence. They are human beings too, just like us. Just because they are wearing a uniform that is different to ours or earn a salary that is less than ours. It does not mean that they are any less worthy than we are.

Smile more at people. Not just at the funny memes people share on social media. Interact with people. Greet people. Make them feel good about themselves. Make friends, without giving off the wrong impression. Be kind. Speak words of love and kindness to others. We never know who is having a bad day and who is on the verge of a break down, who is battling an illness of their own or of a loved one. We don’t know who is going through marital abuse or a rough divorce. We don’t know who is starving themselves just to ‘look good’ on Instagram or why friends choose to stay home instead of spending money going out, yet they are saving their money to be able to feed their children. You never know how many people your kind words or smiles, have saved from the idea of committing suicide. And how those kind actions will prevent people from committing suicide in the future as well.

Basically we know nothing about what is going on in the homes of other people. We just maybe know their names, jobs, where they live and a little about their family life. But we know nothing about the pain that people are going through behind closed doors.

While there isn’t much that we can do to help them, we can help by being kind. By choosing our words carefully where we speak to people in a dignified manner rather than in a way that can make them feel bad about themselves.

Do you have other tips on showing kindness to others? Do share in the comments below!